Category Archives: Book Opinion

The Truth About Twinkie Pie

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Author: Kat Yeh
Publisher:  Little, Brown books for Young Readers     twinkie pie
Genre:  Middle Grade
Source:  BEA

 

 

Goodreads:  Take two sisters making it on their own: brainy twelve-year-old GiGi (short for Galileo Galilei, a name she never says out loud) and junior-high-dropout-turned-hairstylist DiDi (short for Delta Dawn). Add a million dollars in prize money from a national cooking contest and a move from the trailer parks of South Carolina to the Gold Coast of New York. Mix in a fancy new school, new friends and enemies, a first crush, and a generous sprinkling of family secrets.
That’s the recipe for The Truth About Twinkie Pie, a voice-driven middle grade debut about the true meaning of family and friendship.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book had a lot of twists and turns you didn’t expect.  It made me keep reading.  The story itself kept my attention.

I did not think this was a book I would want my middle grade student to read.  I think this is for an older audience.   GiGi’s voice was not consistent.  At times I felt like she was a thirteen year old and other times she was much older.

The writing was easy to read and follow.  The characters were likable and well developed. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.
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I’m Glad I Did

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Author:  Cynthia Weil
Publisher:  Soho Teen
Genre:  Historical Fiction                     I'm glad
Source:  BEA

 

 

Goodreads:  Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and songwriting legend Cynthia Weil’s extraordinary YA debut opens the secretive doors of the Brill Building-the hit factory that changed history. Part Mad Men, part Grace of my Heart, part murder mystery, I’m Glad I Did is a coming-of-age story at an unforgettable cultural tipping point: the summer of 1963.

JJ Greene, a gifted 16-year-old songwriter, defies her lawyer parents by secretly applying for a job in the famed Brill Building-the epicenter of songwriting for a new genre called rock-n-roll. But their warnings about the evils of the music industry prove far darker than she imagined when she finds herself at the heart of a cover-up that involves hidden identity, theft, and possibly murder.

Ope’s Opinion:  I do not read historical fiction very often, so if I like one – it must be exceptional.  This book falls into that category for me.  It was well written, easy to follow, had characters I liked and cared about.  It stayed very true to the time period it was written in.  

The mystery was fun to follow and attempt to figure out.  It was a little unrealistic at times, but still an enjoyable part of the book.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
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The Summer of Letting Go

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Author: Gae Polisner
Publisher:  Algonquin Young Readers                  letting go
Genre:  Young Adult
Source:  BEA

 

 

Goodreads:  Just when everything seems to be going wrong, hope and love can appear in the most unexpected places.

Summer has begun, the beach beckons and Francesca Schnell is going nowhere. Four years ago, Francesca’s little brother, Simon, drowned, and Francesca is the one who should have been watching. Now Francesca is about to turn sixteen, but guilt keeps her stuck in the past. Meanwhile, her best friend, Lisette, is moving on most recently with the boy Francesca wants but can’t have. At loose ends, Francesca trails her father, who may be having an affair, to the local country club. There she meets four-year-old Frankie Sky, a little boy who bears an almost eerie resemblance to Simon, and Francesca begins to wonder if it’s possible Frankie could be his reincarnation. Knowing Frankie leads Francesca to places she thought she’d never dare to go and it begins to seem possible to forgive herself, grow up, and even fall in love, whether or not she solves the riddle of Frankie Sky.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book was very hard to rate and review.  Through most of it, I did not get into it.  The ending redeemed itself, but I still had some issues with it.

This is suppose to be a young adult book – the writing was on the young adult level, but the issues in the story line seemed to be much too mature for a young adult reader.  I don’t think young adult readers should be in the middle of parents figuring out if one of them is having an affair.  Another issue I felt was too adult for young readers was the whole question about reincarnation.

I am not sure what all Francesca let go of this summer.

On the positive side, I did like that Francesca had a good relationship with Frankie.  Although, she did not treat Lisette like she should have, it was nice to see the female friendship in this book.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.
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Little Jimmy Says, Same is Lame

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Author:  Jimmy Vee
Publisher:Atlas Press                 same as lame
Genre:  Children’s Books
Source:  Alyssa Livolsi

 

 

Goodreads:  “It is your uniqueness that’s really the seed. Embrace it! Exploit it! And you will Succeed.”

Little Jimmy is a small guy with a BIG mission… help people realize how special they really are.

Why is everyone trying so hard to fit in when there is so much uniqueness to celebrate?

Jump in and follow the miniature ringmaster through his circus-inspired world of weird, where normal is ordinary, and ordinary is boring.

In these fun-filled pages you’ll discover what makes you unique and why being different is actually cool.

So hurry, hurry! Come one, come all! Step right up. Kids of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome and special in Little Jimmy’s wondrous and wacky world.

Read this book and prepare to be amazed at what you see in the mirror the next time you take a look! 

Emma’s Opinion:   Emma and I both enjoyed this book.  It was a wonderful rhyming book about being different.  Emma and I are actually on the short side ourselves, so we could relate to this book.  It was fun to ask her about different children in her class.  She actually didn’t realize they were each different.  Children ( at least Emma ) think all people are alright just the way they are.  

The illustrations really added a lot to the story.  It made Emma ask me questions about the other people on the pages.  It was fun to talk to her about being proud of who she is.  She sort of looked at me like of course I am!

Rating:  Five Fingers
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A Groovy Kind of Love

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Author:  Karen Wojcik Berner
Publisher:  Karen Berner Books
Genre:  Contemporary Women’s Fiction         groovy
Source:  Author

 

Publication Date; January 12, 2015

 

Goodreads:  Uptight British lit lover meets a free spirit at a book club, and his world is turned upside down!

After placating to his father’s demands that he play Little League baseball and major in computer programming in college rather than his beloved English literature, Thaddeus assumed that several years into his career, he would finally get some peace and quiet.

Then he met Spring Pearson, the younger, free-spirited daughter of Hippie parents, at a book club meeting. Instantly smitten, Thaddeus finally worked up the courage to ask Spring out. But will an old college pinkie-swear promise Spring made fifteen years ago get in the way of this bibliophilic romance?

“A Groovy Kind of Love” is the third and final installment of Karen Wojcik Berner’s Bibliophiles series. Written as stand-alone novels, each book focuses on one or two members of a fictional suburban classics book club, revealing their personal stories while the group explores tales spun by the masters. 

Ope’s Opinion:  This book is the third in the Bibliophiles series.  Although it is a series, you do not have to read the books in any order.   They are each stand alone books.

This is a very sweet love story.  I enjoyed the read.  It moved very slow.  This is a story of opposites attract.

Thaddeus in much older then his years.  He is an introspective person and does nothing in a hurry. Thaddeus feels like he is English.   Spring on the other hand is a free spirit.  She and Thaddeus balance each other out.

This story had a lot of back ground on both Thaddeus and Spring.  It showed how they were raised and what their families were like.  That really made you care about them.  It also helped you to understand how they ended up attracted to each other.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like this book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

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My Yellow Balloon

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Author:  Tiffany Papageorge
Publisher: Minoan Moon Publishing      yellow balloon
Genre: Children’s Books
Source:  Alyssa Livolsi

 

 

Goodreads:  It all started at the carnival. That is where Joey makes a new friend: a bright yellow balloon. Joey and his beloved balloon do everything together, until the balloon accidentally slips off Joeys wrist and flies far, far away. What will Joey do without his special friend? Tiffany Papageorge has crafted a poignant tale of love, loss, and letting go that will serve as a comforting guide to children who are navigating the complicated emotions of grief. Rich, luminous illustrations by Erwin Madrid perfectly capture these timeless themes, making them accessible to even the youngest reader. Honest, unflinching, and ultimately reassuring, this book will resonate with anyone who has endured the darkness of grief, while offering hope for brighter days ahead.

Emma’s Opinion:  Emma’s Papa read her this book on our last visit.  It kept both their attention.  Emma wanted to read it again and again.  She is starting to read and wanted to know each word so she could read it next time.

The bright pictures on each page kept her eyes glued to the book.

As Emma hasn’t lost anyone in her life yet, I am not sure she understood the connection between loosing a ballon and loosing  someone.  When the time comes, I would definitely pull this book back out.

Rating:  Five Fingers
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Gooseberry Island

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Author:  Steven Manchester
Publisher:  The Story Plant
Genre: Contemporary Military                             gooseberry
Source: Steven Manchester

 

 

 

Goodreads:  They met at the worst possible moment…or maybe it was just in time. David McClain was about to go to war and Lindsey Wood was there at his going-away party, capturing his heart when falling for a woman was the last thing on his mind. While David was serving his country, he stayed in close contact with Lindsey. But war changes a person, and when he came home very little had the same meaning that it had before – including the romance that had sustained him. Was love truly unconquerable, or would it prove to be just another battlefield casualty?

Gooseberry Island is the most nuanced, dramatic, and romantic novel yet from a writer whose ability to plumb the depths of human emotion knows few peers.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book felt very realistic – maybe too realistic for me at times.

There was a little more detailed war times then I usually read.  You needed the war experience to understand David.

Lindsay’s character was well written.  She was a strong, independent woman.  A good example for young woman.

It was nice to read about characters with strong morals that felt real and flawed.

Steven Manchester writes deep, thoughtful stories.  This was another one of his books worth curling up with this winter.

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
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An Island Christmas

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Author: Nancy Thayer                                   island christmas
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Holiday Book
Source:  Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  In this enchanting holiday novel from New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer, family and friends gather on Nantucket for a gorgeous winter wedding with plenty of merry surprises in store.

As Christmas draws near, Felicia returns to her family’s home on the island to marry her adventurous, rugged boyfriend, Archie. Every detail is picture-perfect for a dream wedding: the snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights in the windows, a gorgeous red and white satin dress. Except a lavish ceremony is not Felicia’s dream at all; it’s what her mother, Jilly, wants. Jilly’s also worried that her daughter’s life with daredevil Archie will be all hiking and skydiving. Wondering if their handsome neighbor Steven Hardy might be a more suitable son-in-law, Jilly embarks on a secret matchmaking campaign for Felicia and the dashing stockbroker.

As the big day approaches and Jilly’s older daughter, Lauren, appears with rambunctious kids in tow, tensions in the household are high. With the family careening toward a Yuletide wedding disaster, an unexpected twist in Nancy Thayer’s heartwarming tale reminds everyone about the true meaning of the season. 

Ope’s Opinion:  This was a cute little Christmas story.  Jilly’s flakey personality irritated me at times.  She loved her daughters, but interfered in their lives.  She was trying to get her daughter to marry the neighbor one day and happy at the wedding the next day.

The rest of the characters in the book were heart warming.  I really liked the sisters relationships.  They cared about each other, but didn’t always see eye to eye.

This is not my favorite Nancy Thayer book, but it was a quick Christmas read.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.
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Evergreen

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Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers          evergreen
Genre:  Holiday 
Source:  Purchased

 

 

 

Goodreads:  An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn’t be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He’s sure she’ll love it. What’s more romantic than Christmas in Paris?Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then–because disasters strike in threes–an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts.As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.

Ope’s Opinion:  God gave me a snowy day to relax and read this book.  It was a perfect reminder of what this season is really all about.  

The Christiansen family has been one of my favorite families to follow.  This Christmas book  followed the family through a difficult time.  The story showed that families come in all sizes and are made up of the people that are around you.  Empty nests don’t have to feel so empty.   I can relate as an empty nester too.

Susan May Warren wrote:  ” The magic of a good-bye – it makes way for something new. An unexpected hello.”  That is such a great reminder.  As one part of your life moves on or changes, it opens up for a new part.

I love the fact that this series is a faith based family, yet I never feel preached at or condemned.  It shows God’s love, acceptance and guidance.

 

 

Rating:  Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…
             And read again and again and again…..
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Winter Street

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Author:  Elin Hilderbrand
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company         winter street
Genre:  Holiday Book
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  In bestseller Elin Hilderbrand’s first Christmas novel, a family gathers on Nantucket for a holiday filled with surprises.

Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn and the proud father of four, all of them grown and living in varying states of disarray. Patrick, the eldest, is a hedge fund manager with a guilty conscience. Kevin, a bartender, is secretly sleeping with a French housekeeper named Isabelle. Ava, a school teacher, is finally dating the perfect guy but can’t get him to commit. And Bart, the youngest and only child of Kelley’s second marriage to Mitzi, has recently shocked everyone by joining the Marines.

As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time at the inn. But when he walks in on Mitzi kissing Santa Claus (or the guy who’s playing Santa at the inn’s annual party), utter chaos descends. With the three older children each reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley’s ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn.

Before the mulled cider is gone, the delightfully dysfunctional Quinn family will survive a love triangle, an unplanned pregnancy, a federal crime, a small house fire, many shots of whiskey, and endless rounds of Christmas caroling, in this heart-warming novel about coming home for the holidays. 

Ope’s Opinion:  This was the perfect read for your holiday season or to buy for your favorite book person.  

There were a lot of characters and I did have to look back at the flap on the book to remember facts about who was talking.  It didn’t take long to be invested in each person’s personal story.

I come from a family of five children, so seeing how these siblings were together, took me back home!  They all love each other, but are also some times frustrated with each other.  At the end of the day, they support each other.  They want what is best for the other ones.

I would love to see where everyone is next Christmas!

Rating: Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on….
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